2017-18 Preseason Rankings

Head coach, Penny Hardaway has taken his Memphis East program to new heights finishing last season ranked fourth in the nation. This year, the back-to-back state champions will look to take the next step and finish atop the national polls behind a strong returning core. The Mustangs will be led by a dynamic frontcourt featuring 5-star 2019 prospects, 6’ 11” PF James Wiseman and 6’ 9” PF Chandler Lawson. Memphis East also features one of the best floor generals in the country, as 2018 5’ 11” PG Alex Lomax will look for his third consecutive state championship to cap off an excellent career.

Montverde Academy will be led by one of the nations most dominant all around players, 2018 6’ 7” SF RJ Barrett. The elite lefty will be joined by 2018 6’ 3” PG Andrew Nembhard (Florida) and 2018 6′ 3″ PG Mike Devoe (Georgia Tech). Alongside their dynamic backcourt, a new frontcourt will feature 2019 6’ 9” twins Makhi and Makhei Mitchell (Maryland), and 6′ 7″ SF Jordan Mitchell. Last year, Montverde Academy finished just short of capturing the Dick’s Nationals title, losing in the title game against La Lumiere (IN). The Eagles have yet to capture the Dick’s Nationals title in the post Ben Simmons era, however this year they have all the pieces to climb back atop high school basketball behind one of the most dominant players in the nation, RJ Barrett.

Mater Dei has been a model of consistency on the national stage in recent years; however the Monarchs haven’t captured a California state championship since 2014, when they went back-to-back-to-back-to-back from 2011-2014. This year the California powerhouse will feature key returners (#1 overall 2018) 7’ 2” C Bol Bol, 2018 6′ 10″ PF Michael Wang (Pennsylvania), 2018 6’ 2” floor general Spencer Freedman (Harvard), and 2018 6′ 6″ SF Harrison Butler (Southern Utah) who make up four of the top five scorers from a season ago. Throw elite 2019 6’ 3” SG PJ Fuller into the mix and you have a national title competitor led by a three headed monster of Bol, Fuller, and Freedman.

How can Clarkston top their best season in school history in which they won their first state in school history? Two words, go undefeated. Clarkston returns four of their five starters, including 2018 6′ 9″ Taylor Currie (Wisconsin) and 2018 6′ 0″ PG Foster Loyer (Michigan State). Although the Wolves did lose one starter from last season, they replace him with 2018 6′ 8″ PF Thomas Kithier (Michigan State). Kithier and Currie will form one of the most imposing front-court duo’s in the nation with their leading scorer from last season Foster Loyer pulling the strings. Watch out for Clarkston this season behind their talented trio and returning starters 2018 6′ 2″ SG Nick Wells and 2018 5′ 11″ PG CJ Robinson who will likely round out a stacked starting five.

Hudson Catholic may possess the best trio in America with 2018 6’ 8” PF Louis King (Oregon), 2018 6’ 0” PG Jahvon Quinerly, and 2018 6’ 4” SG Luther Muhammed (Ohio State) all hungry to make an impact during their senior campaigns. Also returning for the Hawks, 2018 6′ 6″ PF Danny Rodriguez who was second on the team in rebounding last season. The Hawks will face a tough national schedule this season, starting off with a trip to the City of Palms, where they open with Webster Groves (MO). This experienced core will have the chance to make history as they look to capture the school’s first ever New Jersey tournament of champions title and Hudson Catholic’s first state title since 1976 (New Jersey tournament of champions began in 1989).

IMG Academy lost their entire starting lineup from a season ago and their head coach, Vince Walden. Good thing for the Ascenders, last year set a precedent for the next crop of talented recruits to replace their big losses from a year ago. A brand new starting core will be led by a formidable front-court of 2019 7’ 3” C Chol Marial, 2018 6’ 9” PF Silvio De Sousa (Kansas), and 2018 6′ 7″ PF Darius Days (LSU). While an equally intimidating back-court will feature 2019 6′ 6″ SG Josh Green, 2018 6′ 3″ PG Keyshawn Embery (Arkansas), and elite 2020 6′ 1″ PG Noah Farrakhan. IMG Academy will look to take the next step after earning their first Dick’s Nationals berth last season.

The top 2019 prospect in the nation, 6′ 10″ PF Vernon Carey will look to lead University School to the next level this season with the addition of three dynamic transfers to an already talented roster. Elite 2020 6′ 7″ SF Scottie Barnes will add some size to a smaller lineup after losing 7′ 1″ C Balsa Koprivica in the offseason. 2018 6′ 3″ SG Trey Doomes (West Virginia) and 2018 6′ 0″ PG Drue Drinnon (New Mexico) will also be added and look to lead a deep backcourt. The Sharks will have the opportunity to put their stamp on the national scene early this season with tough match-ups with McEachern (GA), Trinity Episcopal (VA), opening with Archbishop Molloy (NY) at the City of Palms Classic, and participating in the John Wall Invitational all before January hits.

McEachern will look to get over the hump and capture their first ever state title, coming off their best year in school history. The Indians finished 29-1 last season, falling 56-49 in the state semifinals to eventual state champion Tift County. This season, McEachern returns their top 9 scorers, including 2019 6’ 5” SG Isaac Okoro who averaged 24.1 points per game and 2020 5′ 10″ PG Sharife Cooper who averaged 16 points per game. Along with key returners, skilled transfer 2019 6’ 9” PF Jared Jones will add another paint protector. We will see how real McEachern is on the national stage quickly this season as they face Wheeler (GA) and University School (FL) in two huge November showdowns.

Wesleyan Christian will be hungry to capture their seventh state title this season, after falling just short a year ago; losing in the state title game 63-60 to Greensboro Day. This season, Wesleyan Christian will return their two most talented prospects, as 2018 6’ 8” SF Jaylen Hoard (Wake Forest), and 2018 6’ 6” SG Aaron Wiggins (Maryland) will look to pave the way for this skilled group. Along with their key returners, transfers 2019 6’ 1” guards Keyshaun and Kobe Langley (both committed to Virginia Tech) will bolster an already loaded squad. Wesleyan Christian will face a tough schedule, taking on Norcross (GA), Paul VI (VA), competing in the John Wall Invitational, and playing in one of the toughest conferences in the nation.

Cypress Falls ended last season on a 25-game winning streak that culminated with a Texas 6A state title. What’s even better about that run headed into this season? The Eagles return their top five scorers from last season, who are all now seniors with a state championship run under their belts. Cypress Falls will again be led by their leading scorer from last season, 2018 6′ 4″ SG Nigel Hawkins who led the team with 21.1 ppg. Alongside him, 2018 5′ 10″ PG Trajan Wesley (Louisiana-Lafayette) and versatile 2018 6′ 7″ PF Kendall Scott were the only others to average 10+ ppg last season. An experienced and determined Cypress Falls squad will be tough to stop this season as they will look to continue to build on their 25-game winning streak.

La Lumiere is coming off their most decorated season in program history, finishing 28-1 and winning their first ever Dick’s Nationals title, taking down Montverde Academy (FL) 70-52 in the title game. This season will be a challenge for the Lakers, losing the bulk of their production from last season and losing their head coach, Shane Heirman, who had created a different culture at the school. New head coach, Patrick Holmes will look to continue the programs upward trajectory as one of the premier basketball academies in the nation led by a strong core of 2019 6′ 9″ PF Isaiah Stewart. 2019 6′ 7″ SF Emmanuel Miller, 2019 6′ 5″ SG Charles Smith IV, and 2018 6′ 0″ PG Tyger Campbell.

Findlay Prep has been one of the most dominant Prep schools in the nation since joining the scene in 2006. The Pilots have appeared in each of the 9 Dick’s Nationals/NHSI tournaments and have the talent to make it a perfect ten for ten this season. Despite losing their star, PJ Washington, Findlay Prep will add 2018 7′ 3″ C Connor Vanover (Memphis) to an already stacked front-court featuring 2018 6′ 7″ PF Reggie Chaney (Arkansas) and 2018 6′ 6″ SF Spencer Washington. Alongside the front-court capable transfers 2018 6′ 4″ SG TJ Moss, 2018 6′ 4″ SG Kyler Edwards (Texas Tech), and 2018 6′ 3″ PG Jamie Lewis (Wake Forest) will make up a dynamic back-court.

Last season, Westlake fell just 3 games short of their goal, losing in the regional finals to state runner-up Wagner (TX) 55-53. They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that is true for Westlake’s starting five, with four players 6′ 5″ or taller including a front line of 2019 6′ 10″ PF Will Baker, 2018 6′ 7″ SF Matthew Mayer (Baylor), and 2018 6′ 7″ SF Brock Cunningham (Texas). The Chaparrals also bring back a skilled backcourt in 2018 6′ 5″ SG Keonte Kennedy (Xavier) and 2018 6′ 1″ PG Luke Pluymen (St. Edward’s). Although the Texas 6A state championship may be one of the hardest to capture in the nation, Westlake appears to have the pieces to make a run at it.

Former NBA star Mike Bibby has led his former high school into the national spotlight, coming off the schools first ever appearance in Dick’s Nationals and back-to-back state championships. Last year Shadow Mountain showed they were for real, deciding to put their undefeated season on the line and travel to Dick’s Nationals where they lost to national powerhouse Montverde Academy (FL) in a tight contest despite playing without their star 2019 6′ 1″ PG Jaelen House. This year, House will return to take over the offense beside his running mate 2019 5′ 10″ PG Javon Blacksher. Look for Shadow Mountain to compete for their third straight Arizona state title with another Dick’s Nationals berth potentially on the horizon.

Archbishop Molloy has extremely high expectations for this season, coming in as the overwhelming favorites to win the New York Federation state title behind their two stars. 2019 6′ 3″ PG Cole Anthony may be the best point guard in the nation regardless of class and 2018 7′ 0″ C Moses Brown is one of the most intimidating and dominant big men in the country. Anthony and Brown may form the best one-two punch in the nation with Anthony’s ability to score or dish and Brown’s ability to alter shots and collect boards. We will find out very quickly just how good this Archbishop Molloy team can be as they open up against University School (FL) at the vaunted City of Palms Classic.

This season is bound to be a magical one at Greensboro Day, with legendary head coach Freddy Johnson on the verge on winning his 1,000th game with a record of 992-283 at Greensboro Day. Despite losing key pieces from last year’s championship run this team is being dubbed as one of the deepest teams in school history led by the athletic tandem of 2018 6′ 5″ SG John Newman (Clemson) and 2018 6′ 3″ PG Will Dillard. 2019 6′ 9″ PF Mike Fowler will anchor the paint, while 2018 6′ 5″ SG Alex Michael will stretch the floor for the Bengals with his shooting. Look for this team to continue the winning tradition against a tough schedule that includes a trip to the Iolani Classic, a matchup at Spartanburg Day (SC), and a daunting conference schedule.

Ranney School will return their top six scorers from last season, including three players who averaged 15 or more points per game. Leading the way for Ranney School will be the coveted junior duo of 2019 6′ 5″ SG Bryan Antoine who averaged 20.5 ppg last season and 2019 6′ 5″ SF Scottie Lewis who averaged 16.1 ppg. Also returning, is last year’s team assist leader 2019 6′ 2″ PG Ahmadu Sarnor who averaged 15.8 ppg. A new face added to the lineup will be 2018 6′ 9″ PF Savior Akuwovo a transfer from a legendary St. Anthony school that closed it’s doors over the summer. Look for this young team to turn some heads this season and put themselves in position for a run at the Tournament of Champions title.

Westtown School had a stellar season last year, finishing the season ranked #5 with a record of 30-2 and capturing the Pennsylvania State Independent School championship. Although they lose three starters from last season, they return the most prolific scorer in the nation, 2018 6′ 8″ SG Cam Reddish (Duke) and athletic 2018 6′ 9″ PF Jake Forrester (Indiana) to lead a young core. Look for 2020 6′ 7″ SF Noah Collier, 2019 6′ 3″ SG Jalen Gaffney, and 2020 5′ 10″ PG Seyon Kpaan to assume bigger roles this season for the Moose. Westtown School will face off against a tough Our Savior Lutheran (NY) and travel to the Chick-Fil-A Classic, before taking on preseason top 10 IMG Academy (FL) in the Hoophall Classic.

Imhotep Charter is coming off their best season in school history, ending the season ranked #6 nationally and winning the AAAA Pennsylvania state title and notching a signature win over national powerhouse Montverde Academy (FL) at the Montverde Invitational late in the season. Although the Panthers lose their two star guards David Beatty and Daron Russell, they return the majority of their core from a very talented team a year ago. 2019 6′ 6″ SF Donte Scott, 2019 6′ 6″ SF Jamil Riggins, 2019 6′ 6″ SF Chereef Knox, and 2019 6′ 4″ SG Dahmir Bishop are the talented crop of juniors that will lead the way this year for Imhotep Charter. The experienced group of upperclassmen will be tested on the national stage again this year, traveling to the Beach Ball Classic and facing La Lumiere (IN) in the Cancer Research Classic.

Webster Groves ended last season on a 21-game winning streak and return their two superstars, 2018 6′ 8″ PF Carte’Are Gordon (St. Louis) and 2018 6′ 3″ PG Courtney Ramey. One of the top duos in the nation will look to lead the Statesman against some stiff national competition. Webster Groves will take on Hudson Catholic (NJ) in their opening game in the City of Palms Classic in December, travel to the Cancer Research Classic and face off against Wheeler (GA) in early January, and then head to the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions and take on the nation’s best later in the month. No doubt this team will be tested early and often this season, however they have the weapons to stand up to some stiff tests and rise in the rankings throughout the year.

Garfield head coach Ed Haskins moved on to the next level, taking a assistant coaching position at Washington State. That move paved the way for former NBA all-star Brandon Roy to take over at his alma mater after an undefeated season and number one overall ranking at Nathan Hale (WA) in his first season as a head coach. Although Garfield lost the bulk of their scoring from last season, key transfers 2019 6′ 8″ PF Jaden McDaniels, 2018 6′ 7″ SF Ed Chang (Washington), 2020 6′ 5″ SG MarJon Beauchamp, and 2019 6′ 0″ PG Pierre Cockrell will all look to make a major impact from day one. Much like last season at Nathan Hale, head coach Brandon Roy will be tasked with creating chemistry between the Bulldogs top newcomers and their top returners 2018 6′ 8″ PF J’Raan Brooks and 2019 6′ 5″ SF Jamon Kemp.

The Trailblazers 2016-17 season ended in disaster after climbing up to the top spot in the rankings. Sierra Canyon lost in two consecutive playoff games, losing in the CIF Southern Section semifinals and then their first round game of the state tournament. Although last season ended poorly for Sierra Canyon, a new era is upon them as new head coach Andre Chevalier will be eager to prove himself in his first year. Despite losing the bulk of their offense from a season ago, Chevalier has retooled the roster with key transfers, headlined by 2019 6′ 5″ SG Cassius Stanley and 2018 6′ 3″ PG Duane Washington Jr (Ohio State). A new roster will be tested early as they travel to the Hoophall West to face off against Shadow Mountain (AZ) in early December.

After a breakout summer in the Nike EYBL, 2018 6′ 10″ PF Daniel Oturu (Minnesota) will look to lead Cretin-Derham Hall to the school’s first state title since 1992-93. Much of the Raiders core from a season ago returns as 2018 6′ 8″ PF Sy Chatman, 2018 6′ 4″ SG Jake Prince, 2019 6′ 2″ PG Jaeden King, and 2018 6′ 2″ PG Ryan Larson will all look to step up their production and take this team back to the top. This is a team that could make some major noise and is a dark horse to move up the rankings if they can avoid upsets and take down their one major test in Tre Jones and Apple Valley (MN) in a major showdown on December 30th.

Paul VI returns virtually everyone this season, and has a deep and talented roster ready to compete against a brutal national schedule. The Panthers feature 2018 6′ 7″ SF Brandon Slater (Villanova) and elite 2020 6′ 2″ PG Jeremy Roach who will lead their balanced attack on the offensive end. Paul VI will start off their daunting schedule with Wesleyan Christian (NC) and Oak Ridge (FL) in early December, before competing in the Chick-Fil-A Classic and Tournament of Champions Classic in late December. After the new year the Panthers get deep into WCAC conference play with match-ups with Brentwood Academy (TN) and Roselle Catholic (NJ) sprinkled in along the way.

Olive Branch returns almost every player on their roster from last year’s squad that fell a few games short of a 6A Mississippi state title, falling in their quarterfinal match-up 71-64 to Brandon (MS). This year, star 2019 6′ 7″ SF D.J. Jefferies will look to lead the Conquistadors over the hump and capture a the schools first ever state championship. Alongside Jefferies, 2019 6′ 5″ SF Shamar Brown, 2018 6′ 1″ SG Kelvin Allen, 2019 6′ 0″ SG Joe Cooper, and 2019 6′ 0″ PG Calvin Temple will return to round out the starting five. Olive Branch will be tested as they face preseason #1 Memphis East (TN) and Brentwood Academy (TN) in back-to-back games in early January.

Roselle Catholic has one of the most imposing front-courts in the country as 2018 7′ 0″ C Majur Majak, 2018 6′ 9″ PF Nazreon Reid (LSU), and 2018 6′ 8″ PF Alanzo Frink form an intimidating plethora of bigs. Joining their talented big men is their talented backcourt featuring 2019 6′ 7″ SF Kahlil Whitney, 2018 6′ 3″ PG Ithiel Horton (Delaware), and 2019 6′ 1″ PG Joshua Pierre-Louis. The Lions will look to return to glory, eager capture their third New Jersey Tournament of Champions title in the past six years, with their most recent coming in 2015.

Prolific Prep loses the bulk of their production from last season, however talented transfer 2018 6′ 11″ C Jordan Brown will look to take the reigns this season and continue the schools excellent play, coming off the best season in program history. Along with their talented newcomer, key returners 2018 6′ 9″ PF Amadou Sow (UC Santa Barbara), 2019 6′ 10″ SF Oton Jankovic. and 2018 6′ 4″ SG Junior Toure (UC Santa Barbara). Prolific Prep will take on another tough national schedule, featuring showdowns with Huntington Prep (WV), Memphis East (TN), Virginia Episcopal (VA), and IMG Academy (FL) among other tough match-ups.

Dematha Catholic loses their two stars DJ Harvey and Josh Carlton from last season, but return 2019 6′ 3″ PG Justin Moore from injury and imposing 2020 6′ 11″ C Hunter Dickinson who will have a major role increase this season. Other key returners from last season that will shape the direction of this season include 2019 6′ 9″ PF Jamel Melin, 2019 6′ 6″ SG Carsten Kogelnik, and 2018 5′ 11″ PG Justin Gielen. Although the Stags have a record 39 WCAC championships, (32 more than any other school) this prestigious program has not captured a WCAC title since 2011. Look for this group to be determined to end the longest WCAC title drought in school history.

Spartanburg Day might not be the best team in the country, but with LaMelo Ball leaving Chino Hills (CA) to be homeschooled, the highlight factory known as Zion Williamson will be the center of attention across social media platforms this basketball season. The 2018 6′ 7″ SF Zion Williamson has already broken social media with his windmill alley-oop jam, his thunderous in-game dunks, and his iconic chase-down blocks. With the majority of their major contributors from last season returning, the next question is can Williamson lead this group to wins against the nations best schools in the Beach Ball Classic, and tough out of state opponents such as Christ School (NC), Chino Hills (CA), and Greensboro Day (NC).